Clear Creek Canyon Park

Clear Creek Canyon Park_Scenic
  1. CLOSED: The dirt parking lot at the Gateway of Clear Creek Canyon Park off U.S. Hwy 6, near the intersection of Hwy 58, and Hwy 93, as well as the parking lot east of Tunnel 1 and the Oxbow area, will be closed until spring 2021 (weather dependent) for construction of the next segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail. For more information please visit our Peaks to Plains project page
Map of the Gateway Segment of the P2P Trail at Clear Creek Canyon Park
Grant Terry Trail paving rendering depicting what the new trail will look like

As part of the improvements to the Gateway Segment of Clear Creek Canyon Park, Jeffco Open Space (JCOS) is partnering with the City of Golden to pave a 1,980-foot section of trail. The remaining 2,200 feet of trail beyond the pedestrian bridge will remain the same soft surface trail. Jeffco Open Space has offered to pay and pave the 1,980ft. of trail on Golden property as part of our Clear Creek Canyon Park – Gateway Segment project that is currently near completion (see map and rendering of finished section above). Because this portion of trail is on City of Golden property, the County did not seek public input.

 The City of Golden involved their Parks, Recreation, and Museums Board and decided to move forward with the project based on the connectivity and accessibility advantages and that this project will need to be completed at some point in the future to provide accessible connectivity to the community.

 These improvements will be consistent and continuous surface for the 65-mile-long P2P Trail as well as create an accessible and wheel friendly surface. The concrete surface will endure the increased use that will occur as more segments of the P2P Trail are completed. This durable, year-round surface will help address seasonal flooding and muddy conditions, as well as help stabilize the City of Golden main water line below the trail surface.

Clear Creek Canyon Park offers unique recreation experiences among its steep canyon walls and fast flowing creek. With the opening of a segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail, bicycles are allowed in the canyon for the first time. Use caution when accessing the creek and engaging in high-risk activities such as rock climbing, kayaking and rafting. Anglers must carry a valid Colorado fishing license with habitat stamp. Gold prospectors must adhere to Open Space Regulations.

Clear Creek Trail*

The Clear Creek Trail is a concrete path along Clear Creek connecting the City of Golden with the City of Wheat Ridge. View Clear Creek Trail Map

Clear Creek Canyon Park interactive map

Mayhem Gulch Trailhead
32447 US Highway 6
Golden, CO 80403

Clear Creek Canyon Cannonball Flats Access
33708 US Highway 6
Golden, CO 80403

Clear Creek Canyon Big Easy Trailhead
32088 US Highway 6
Golden, CO 80403

Peaks to Plains Trail*

The vision of the Peaks to Plains Trail is a 65-mile trail of statewide significance that will serve the 3 million residents of the Denver metro area. The goal is that the Peaks to Plains Trail will one day connect the South Platte Trail in Denver to the headwaters of Clear Creek at Loveland Pass. Once completed, it will connect four counties and seven cities, with a total elevation gain of more than 1 mile. The first portions of the Peaks to Plains Trail in Clear Creek Canyon Park opened in 2016 and 2017, offering four miles of 10-foot-wide paved surface right along Clear Creek. The next step will be continuing the trail east to Golden with the Mouth of the Canyon segment. Learn more about the Peaks to Plains Trail. View the Peaks to Plains Trail Map

*Notice: This trail crosses multiple jurisdictions beyond land owned/managed by Jeffco Open Space and may fall under different regulations.

Clear Creek Canyon Park Map
Prospecting Regulations

Prospecting is prohibited in some areas at the Big Easy Trailhead. See posted signs.

  • Digging into or destruction of stable shoreline, banks or existing vegetation is not permitted
  • All prospecting holes must be filled in before leaving site
  • Dredges and equipment may not be left overnight
  • No prospecting within 100 feet of structures including bridges, steps and
    fish habitat improvements
  • Only dredges with a nozzle diameter of four inches or fewer are permitted
  • No dripping or leaking of fuel or oil allowed
Park Regulations Image